Biddeford mourns officer killed in crash on Piscataqua River Bridge

Dec. 12—A Biddeford police sergeant died after crashing into the rear of a box truck on the Piscataqua River Bridge early Thursday while driving home after the end of his shift.

Jacob Wolterbeek, 41, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was pronounced dead at the scene, Maine State Police said.

Wolterbeek, a husband and father of three young children, had served in the Biddeford Police Department for 18 years, Chief JoAnne Fisk said in a statement.

"Sergeant Wolterbeek was a respected member of the Biddeford Police Department and a valued city employee," Fisk said. "In this time of sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with Sergeant Wolterbeek's family, friends and colleagues."

Fisk said details about services to honor Wolterbeek will be shared as soon as they are available.

Biddeford Mayor Martin Grohman said in an interview Thursday evening that Wolterbeek was an approachable, well-known officer. Although policing is a tough job, he said Wolterbeek was not only good at his role, he also enjoyed it.

Grohman said Wolterbeek approached policing with compassion. He teared up when recalling a time he saw Wolterbeek kneeling beside someone in need, rather than standing above them.

Biddeford residents could recognize Wolterbeek's smile when he was working local events, like Winter Fest or on Election Day outside of Biddeford High School's Tiger Gym, the mayor said.

A "real professional," Grohman said, noting that Wolterbeek preferred working out in the city rather than being behind a desk in the office.

"He was very dedicated to the work," Grohman said. "He was passionate about getting it right and being a role model."

The mayor said there will be a tribute to recognize Wolterbeek at the Biddeford City Council meeting Tuesday. He also plans to connect with Fisk and Wolterbeek's family for future memorial plans.

He said he offers his support to Wolterbeek's family and Biddeford police as well, whom he described as a family of their own.

Sanford Police Chief Eric Small described Wolterbeek as a dedicated public servant who loved his family and community.

"His service exemplified the values of integrity and compassion that define law enforcement at its finest," Small said in a statement.

Law enforcement officers from throughout the state participated in a procession Thursday morning between Ogunquit and Augusta to bring Wolterbeek's body to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, state police confirmed.

The Kennebunk fire and police departments joined agencies from across the state to cover every bridge the procession passed under. In a statement posted to Facebook, the Kennebunk agencies said Wolterbeek was a personal friend to many of their employees.

Southbound lanes of the Maine Turnpike were closed for hours after the crash on the border between Maine and New Hampshire. State police said the box truck was stopped in traffic when the Toyota Camry driven by Wolterbeek crashed into it from behind around 1:14 a.m.

The crash remains under investigation, state police said.

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